Even after sitting in the interrogation room for two hours, Reyna was still at peace with her decision to punch Bryce in the face. It probably wasn't the morally right thing to do, but Reyna was never going to stand by while her friends were threatened. Especially when Nico was being threatened by someone who already tried to hurt him. There was no way in hell she was just going to let Bryce get away with that.

Reyna glanced around the room. After they made it to the police station, they had forced her to wait for a few minutes before leading her inside. Reyna was then led to the interrogation room she had been in for the last few hours. This was nothing like the last time that she had been arrested. Then, she had her mugshot taken and had been searched.

The way they were treating her was different. Was it because she was now a celebrity? A famed fighter who got arrested; did that give her special treatment? If it did, she hated it. An officer offered her water and even cleaned off her knuckles. Other than that, she hadn't been bothered.

It gave Reyna a lot of time to think. There was no doubt in her mind that she was out of Lupa's gym. She would be ousted from the Wolves and on her own. And probably stripped of her fight against Clarisse. Reyna would have to start back at the bottom, but she would just have to make it work.

The door opened, and Reyna studied the man that walked into the room. The man was wearing a three-piece suit that looked perfectly tailored to his body. A briefcase rested in his hand, and the hair on his head was brown and trimmed neatly. His eyes were gray like cold marble. The man himself was built like a statue.

"Ms. Ramirez-Arellano," the man greeted as he closed the door and he rested his briefcase on the table. "My name is Terminus. I'm your lawyer."

"Lawyer?" Reyna repeated, confused. "I didn't ask for a lawyer."

"I'm on retainer for the Wolves," Terminus revealed. Reyna nodded. She knew that Lupa would find out, but even though she was at peace with her decision, she wasn't ready to face the consequences. To face Lupa. "I assume they have booked you already?"

"They haven't done anything," Reyna explained. "I was brought in here and left alone."

Terminus nodded as a frown settled his face. He sat down and spoke, "Anything that we talk about now will not go back to the police. I have already seen the video of you punching Mr. Lawrence in the face. Now to start with, we're just worried about reducing your charges. Tell me what Mr. Lawrence said that caused you to get physical."

Reyna looked off to the side and tried to think. She knew it would be for the best to tell Terminus everything, but she didn't want anyone to know what Bryce had said. She didn't want anyone to make the connection that Nico was gay. If he was worried about a few people knowing, it would kill him for the entire world to know because Reyna happened to be famous.

"Miss Ramirez-Arell-"

"Just call me Reyna. Please," Reyna requested. "I just don't want the entire world to find out about this."

"They already know, Reyna. We just have to minimize the damage," Terminus stated bluntly. Reyna sighed and nodded. She rested her face in her hands as the reality of what she had done finally hit her. Reyna still didn't regret it, but she was not looking forward to what was going to happen next. She slowly looked at Terminus.

"Bryce and I have a history," Reyna began. "Ever since high school."

"I saw the arrest report for that as well," Terminus added. "Did he try to attack you before today?"

"No," Reyna answered. She looked down and sighed softly. "Back in high school, Bryce bullied and tried to sexually harass my best friend. That best friend is now my roommate. I punched Bryce because he was threatening to assault my roommate. Sexually assault him."

"Part of me lost my temper. The other part knew that Bryce had to see a fraction of what was coming to him if he tried to hurt my friend," Reyna continued. Terminus studied her and nodded.

"So you were worried that Mr. Lawrence was going to sexually assault your friend."

"I'm not worried that he will; I know he wants to," Reyna corrected. "Bryce was asking me where Nico was. He said he was going to bend him over a table, and that's why I punched that piece of shit in the face."

"Nico is your roommate I presume. So when and where did Bryce approach you?"

"My teammates and I were running errands. I was waiting in line with Hazel: another fighter. I didn't even hear Bryce walk up to me. Next he just started to run his mouth. He asked me a few times where Nico was before threatening to leave me in a pool of blood again."

"Again?" Terminus repeated. "What do you mean?"

"Like I said: Bryce and I have a history. He tried doing the same shit in high school, and I punched him then. The only difference was that he and his friends jumped me and almost killed me," Reyna explained. "And, Nico took exception."

"Which led to his arrest and then the arrest of Mr. Lawrence," Terminus stated. Reyna nodded. "That does make this more complicated."

"I just don't want Bryce to hurt Nico again. I don't even care what happens to me," Reyna proclaimed. She stared down at the table. Her hands were cuffed, and she kept her eyes firmly on her splint.

"I can attempt to work out some kind of deal for you," Terminus began. "You will have to tell the police what you told me. Hold nothing back."

Reyna nodded. She heard the door open again and looked up. Terminus turned, "I'm sorry, but I am in the middle of talking to my client."

A police officer stood at the door, "Mr. Lawrence and his attorney have decided to drop the charges."

Reyna's eyes widened in surprise. Terminus looked back at her, and he held a similar expression. The police officer continued, "Ms. Ramirez-Arellano is free to go. We can get an officer to escort her home."

"I can find a way home," Reyna declined after a few moments. She glanced at Terminus. "Do I just... walk out?"

Terminus studied Reyna with an odd look. His gaze moved back to the officer, who nodded at Reyna's question, "I can lead you to the exit and make sure you get a ride, after you get your things."

Reyna slowly stood. She felt like she was doing something illegal. Reyna slowly walked after Terminus and followed him out of the room. It was silent as the two of them trekked down the hall towards the entrance.

"It is peculiar," Terminus admitted as they stopped at the door. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. "You weren't processed. It was almost like you were never here. Especially since the charges were dropped."

The business card was held out to Reyna, "Just in case the charges make a reappearance. Although, I'm not sure that will happen."

"Thank you," Reyna said as she reached into her wallet and stashed the business card. After getting her things, the two of them walked outside, and Reyna found Nico sitting on a bench. He looked up at her in surprise and quickly stood. Nico ran to her and hugged her tightly.

"I'm okay," Reyna promised. She hugged him back. "It's going to be okay."

"It's not," Nico stated as he pulled away. "You're going to get in so much trouble."

Reyna gripped his shoulders and then moved her gaze to Terminus, "Thank you for the help."

"Call me if you need me," Terminus said. He gave her a nod and then turned away. Reyna focused back on Nico. He stared at her with a look of worry. A small smile split Reyna's lips.

"It's going to be okay, Nico. I promise," Reyna swore.

"You were arrested. Lupa is furious. This is all my fault," Nico began, choking on tears.

"It wasn't," Reyna countered. "I chose to punch Bryce. I'll tell you all about it, but I need a ride to Lupa's gym. I need to tell her what happened. I know I'm going to get kicked off the team, but I want her to understand that Bryce was threatening you. I won't tell her what he threatened to do, but she needs to know this wasn't because I just lost my temper again."

"What did Bryce threaten to do?" Nico questioned.

"I'll tell you on the way," Reyna promised. Nico nodded and gently grabbed her arm. He led her towards his car. Reyna was grateful that she didn't see any reporters, and she really hoped there wasn't any outside of Lupa's gym. She threw her hood up just in case and followed after her best friend.

As the two sat in the car, Reyna thought over what she was going to say. She would not reveal anything about Nico being gay or what Bryce threatened him with. She would probably just say that Bryce threatened to hurt Nico. It wasn't the full truth, but it wasn't a lie either. Reyna laid her head back and glanced at Nico.

Then, Reyna focused her gaze back out the window and told Nico what had happened. She left nothing out and wasn't able to keep all of the anger out of her voice. Just the thought of Bryce trying to hurt Nico enraged her. It had been a good release to punch him in the face. Not the smartest, but it did feel good.

And if it meant Bryce wouldn't go near Nico again, it would be worth it. As Reyna finished her story, Nico just drove in silence. There was a conflicted look in his eyes. Reyna reached out to gently grab his shoulder. She squeezed it in a comforting way.

"You shouldn't have gotten into trouble over me," Nico said softly.

"Well, you got into trouble for me," Reyna retorted with a shrug. She bit her lip. "And, I don't know what Hazel thinks about what Bryce said. I didn't really get a chance to look at her."

"Hopefully, she just thinks that Bryce was just calling me names," Nico exhaled, but that worriedness eclipsed his face again. Reyna nodded her agreement. She laid her head back and sighed softly.

"We'll see what happens," Reyna said acceptingly. She allowed her gaze to drift off as Nico drove, and before she knew it, they were outside of Lupa's gym. Everyone's cars were there. That would make this more awkward. What was she going to do? Reyna came to a decision as she opened the car door.

Reyna would just lay it all out to Lupa and accept the consequences of her actions. Nico spoke, "Do you want me to come with you?"

"I can handle it," Reyna promised. "I might need a ride home if Lupa kicks me out again."

Reyna swallowed painfully as she said those words. She hadn't admitted it to anyone, but Lupa suspending her hurt a lot. Threatening to kick Reyna out of the Wolves hurts too. The gym was home to Reyna, so to just lose after everything cut deeply. In the end, Nico was just a little more important to her.

Reyna slowly got out of the car. Nico followed and gave her a tight hug. Reyna returned the gesture. Nico pulled away and leaned on his car. Reyna pulled back her hood and walked inside. She just had to state her case. Hopefully, Lupa was willing to listen.

Upon making her way inside, she saw that Mellie wasn't at her desk. Stepping further into the gym showed that no one was training. It was eerily quiet in the gym. Reyna made her way upstairs and heard some talking from down the hall where they all ate. They were probably eating a late lunch.

Reyna took another deep breath. She made her way towards Lupa's office. The door was almost closed, but there was just enough space to see the light in the office. Reyna could hear muffled talking. She grabbed the door and stared at the ground.

After taking another breath and preparing herself for the shitstorm that she was about to walk into, Reyna opened the door and stepped into the office. Lupa was sitting at her desk and was talking on the phone. There was a cold fury on her face and pure rage in her eyes.

"So, you can do this but not be around?" Lupa demanded quietly into the phone. Reyna tilted her head slightly as she listened. Lupa had yet to notice her, which was probably for the best. "How many fucking years have we kept up this charade? I do it because you're like a goddamn sister to me, but enough is enough. I'm done with your bullshit."

Lupa slammed her phone into the receiver. Reyna stared at her mentor. It was rare for Lupa to get angry. It was rarer for her to lose her temper or even curse like that. As Lupa stood and looked up, her rage was laser-focused on Reyna. The office fell silent.

Reyna broke the silence, "Lupa."

"No," Lupa snapped. She walked around the desk. "You know that you were on your last chance, and you still lost your temper, assaulted someone, and got arrested! You are off this team. You are done in my gym, but before you leave, I have to know. What the fuck is your problem?!"

"Lupa, just let me explain," Reyna began as she held her hands up. She felt emotions stirring in her chest, but had to keep them latched down. Hopefully, talking would fix this. The fury on Lupa's face now surpassed what it did back when Reyna had first been suspended. Lupa was probably the angriest she had been in her entire life. "I know what I did was wrong. I understand the consequences."

"You don't understand the consequences of anything," Lupa hissed as she stabbed a finger into Reyna's chest. "Because your mother always protects you from them!"

"W...what?" Reyna slowly asked as her eyes widened at Lupa. Her gaze narrowed on Lupa before becoming unfocused. Lupa said that Reyna's mother was always protecting her from consequences, but...

How could Lupa know?

Did... did Lupa know her mother?

"You know my mom," Reyna slowly made the connection as her vision refocused. Lupa's own eyes had widened, and her face had gone pale at her slip. Lupa swallowed painfully. "...you... know her..."

Reyna felt her vision narrowing again. Bile built in the back of her throat, and her stomach felt like it was melting through the floor.

But, that couldn't be right. Lupa couldn't know her mother. Because...

Because...

"Reyna," Lupa began. Tears welled her eyes. "You weren't supposed to find out this way."

"That woman," Reyna said as too many coincidences connected at once. Her mother used to give checks to her and Hylla until Reyna emancipated herself. And who helped Reyna do just that? Lupa.

It had been miraculous that Lupa found Reyna on the streets, but those were the same streets that the police dropped her off on. Now, all of these charges from punching Bryce were magically dropped, and she wasn't even booked or processed. There was no paper trail. No proof that Reyna had been in trouble.

The woman with the black eyes.

"How long have you known her?" Reyna asked as she felt the rage sputtering from inside. Tears stung her eyes, and she couldn't even begin to identify the emotions in her chest.

"Reyna..."

"HOW LONG!"

Silence filled the office at Reyna's outburst. Reyna took deep, angry breaths to just try and hold it together. She could feel her heart breaking inside her. Lupa looked at her, and tears trickled out of her eyes.

"Since we were teenagers."

Reyna stared at Lupa. She felt anger flooding her veins, tears blinding her vision, and betrayal shattering every piece of her soul. Reyna repeated those words over and over again in her head. Then, she turned and stormed out of the room.

Reyna heard a buzzing in her ears, not processing whatever Lupa said, if she said anything. Reyna barely saw the hallway as she stormed down it. She made it down the stairs two at a time, nearly tripping multiple times. She made it to the lobby and stopped to grab the door.

Her chest felt like it was constricting, and it was getting harder to breathe. Tears slid down her cheeks. She clenched her fist and rested it against her mouth to keep the sobs bottled in. Reyna tried to make it outside, and someone grabbed her shoulder.

"Reyna."

It wasn't Lupa's voice. That wasn't Lupa.

"Piss off," Reyna seethed as she felt herself breaking down. It felt like everything she had held in for all of those years was trying to force itself out. Reyna pulled away from them and made it outside. The person followed her and gently grabbed her arm again.

"Reyna, just take a deep breath."

Reyna turned towards who had grabbed her. She wanted to yell at them to leave her alone. Instead, the dam in her broke, and tears poured down her eyes. The person pulled her into a hug. They weren't as tall as Lupa or Frank, nor short enough to be Hazel.

"Annabeth."

"I'm right here for you. Just try to breathe. It's going to be okay."

"It...it's not..."

"Lupa just needs time to calm down. She'll let you back into the gym."

"L...Lupa kn...knows my m...m...mother."

Annabeth's arms tensed, and Reyna felt her cries worsen. Someone else walked up behind her, and a hand was placed to her back. Reyna couldn't hold it together anymore as she buried her face against Annabeth and cried her heart out, knowing things were forever changed.